Former neighbours of the family killed in a horrific crash on the M6, while returning from visiting relatives in Birmingham, have spoken of their shock.
David and Michelle Statham and their four children were killed when their silver people carrier exploded following a five-vehicle pile up in Cheshire. The car was engulfed in flames, killing chef Mr Statham, 38, his 33-year-old financial advisor wife, and their children Reece, 13, Jay, nine, Mason, 20 months, and Elouise, just 10 weeks.
Mr Statham grew up with his parents and sister in a semi-detached house on Gibbons Road in Sutton Coldfield. Neighbours said his father Alan Statham died 14 months ago and his "very frail" mother Angela has since moved to a different address, and is staying with relatives following the tragedy.
Judy Alexander, who lives next door to the family home, which is in the process of being sold, said she had been "shocked to the core" when she was told the news.
She said Reece and Jay used to stay with their grandparents in the school holidays and were very close to them.
"The older boys, Reece and Jay, used to play with my son," she said. "We have a big trampoline in the garden - they used to play on it with Kyle. The boys were boisterous, active and full of energy.
She said David and Michelle Statham had desperately wanted a little girl and finally got their wish when Elouise was born 10 weeks ago. Mrs Alexander said: "From what I know, Angela had never seen her granddaughter. I do not know if she had the time this weekend."
She said she understood the family had planned another trip to the West Midlands next weekend, and were on their way back from visiting the children's other set of grandparents when the crash happened. She added: "I just feel so shocked. It's terrible. They were just a normal, nice family. They moved away from Birmingham to have a slightly nicer quality of life, which hopefully they found in Wales."
A Portuguese driver, aged 46, is in police custody on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Cheshire Police said an extension had been given on Tuesday night to hold the suspect until early on Wednesday afternoon, when a decision will be made on possible charges. Post-mortem examinations will also be carried out, a Cheshire Police spokesman said.
